“Maple Grove Elementary school has served a multitude of purposes and seen additions and renovation over its lifetime,” said Bernier in a release. “As one of the most utilized schools in the area, it’s time to bring in a new school, providing a modern and safe place to learn, teach and work for years to come.”

Students will continue to learn in the existing school when construction starts in the spring of 2019. The new school is slated to be ready in the fall of 2020. When complete, the facility will also house a Neighbourhood Learning Centre.

The current Maple Grove Elementary school will be torn down and replaced. (Image: Vancouver School Board)

“I’m pleased to see funding approved to build a new school for Maple Grove students and staff, because it’s crucial that we get students in our district into seismically safe schools as soon as possible,” said Vancouver School Board trustee Dianne Turner in the same release.

“We continue to work with the provincial government to move as many Vancouver schools as possible forward in the Seismic Mitigation Program quickly so we can get all our schools upgraded or replaced to ensure the safety of all our students.”

Since 2001, the BC government has spent $270 million to complete 23 seismic upgrades and replacements in Vancouver.

There are currently seven seismic projects underway in the Vancouver School District, with a combined worth of almost $185 million.